The following is a post by contributing writer, Honey.
The internet is full of excellent resources that you can use to enhance your home learning environment. Today I want to share about a few open source resources that we use, or have used, in our homeschool.
1. Libre Office
Libre Office is one of the programs that I am glad to have found. I use Libre Office, on a daily basis, for all of my word processing needs. I can create worksheets, calendars or anything else that I need for my students. I have also used it to create simple power point presentations. I love the easy conversion to PDF feature that is built in.
2. Inkscape
Inkscape is another program that I use on a daily basis. I use it with all of my design clients, but it is also excellent for cutting out images to put on worksheets, or creating graphics for use in home learning projects.
3. GIMP
GIMP is a software that can be used for basic image editing, in place of Photoshop. It does not do everything that Photoshop can do, but it comes pretty close. There is a bit of a learning curve for GIMP.
4. Scribus
Scribus is an open source desk top publishing software that allows you to create professional page layouts for a variety of projects. Your students can create their own newsletters, e-books, or magazines.
5. Celestia
Celestia is a planetarium like no other. If you are studying astronomy or have a child interested in our universe, then this might be just what you are looking for. Our oldest son Elisha spent hours on this software when he was younger.
6. School’s Play
School’s Play is a fun way to help your young children learn how to use the computer, while doing something educational. Our children have used and enjoyed this software. It covers some basic academic skills while learning to use the mouse and keyboard.
7. G Compris
G Compris is an educational software suite that we have used in our home learning environment. Children can begin to use this software at a very young age and familiarize themselves with the computer. Like School’s Play, G Compris also covers some basic academic skills while children learn to use the mouse and keyboard.
What open source software can be found in your home learning environment?
When Honey is not exploring technology and trying to keep up with her kids, she can be found blogging about her family and their homeschooling experiences at Sunflower Schoolhouse.
I agree about the learning curve on GIMP. I don’t use it for basic photo editing (picasa & picmonkey), but I do use it for graphics anything that needs layers. like banners & buttons.
Thanks for the list! I’m going to check out Scribus & Schoolsplay now.